UNISON members working for Serco in Sandwell gave a show of hands and unanimously rejected a 6% pay offer, which also contained strings such as introducing working on bank holidays.
With RPI inflation currently at 13.5%, the offer represents a huge pay cut in real terms.
A consultative ballot has begun and if the vote is for a formal industrial action ballot is returned then the prospect of industrial action in the Refuse depot looks likely.
UNISON will continue to talk to management, but unless there is a significantly improved offer the ballot process for industrial action will continue.